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Our Journey Online - January 29, 2013

2013Jan 29

COMMENTS

Bless the Lord!

10Therefore David blessed the LORDin the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. 11Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.12Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

—1 Chronicles 29:10-13

Have you ever been in a worship service where there was a tangible sense of the presence of God stirring the hearts of thousands of fellow Christians? It doesn’t always happen, but when it does, you know it! That is what this prayer follows—a declaration of God’s power and praise after an encounter with the living God. Now that is a high impact service!

So what can we learn from David?

“ThereforeDavid blessed the Lord.” So often we think of the word blessing as something God does to us, which is true. But blessing should never be a one way street. We should be pouring our thanks and recognition and humble dependence out upon our living, giving God. That is blessing the Lord.

“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty.” Recognize God’s place of preeminence. Let’s break down this dynamic prayer. Greatness: There is none greater than our Lord. Power: At the breath of just a word spoken He can instantly align all. Glory: He is incomparably superior, stunningly beautiful, and absolutely perfect. Victory/Majesty: He has conquered all and rules over all, for all eternity. So what does that mean in terms of my struggles? God has them under control. Trust Him. Set them down. And worship! Worship changes our perspective on our problems. If we struggle to worship, then that’s a perspective problem. Take a hard look at God’s unparalleled grandeur and prepare to drop your jaw!

“All that is in the heavens and earth is yours.” True worship involves the heart, the hands, and yes the wallet. Our financial position and all that we “own” is actually all His! Everything we think we own is actually on loan to us! We are but managers for the King of all Kings in this universe. Giving back to Him is actually giving what He already gave. Our cry should not be “mine,” but rather “Yours!”

Our final response is to“thank and praise Him.” Make His glorious name famous. A truly humble heart is a thankful heart. When we are able to recognize where our very life comes from, then our pride can take its rightful place; bowing at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ! —Tim Harkness

Journal:

· What problems are currently distracting me from being blown away by God’s greatness?

Prayer - Father, I bless Your holy name. What David said thousands of years ago is no less true than it was then. You are glorious, almighty, amazing, eternal, and unchanging. Everything is Yours. Help me to live in a constant state of praise and worship of You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What if you believed—truly believed with all confidence that God is with you? How would today go for you if you knew without a doubt that God is in control? What would be different in your life if you were sure God is watching and good? What would you risk if you were certain God is victorious?

Just how would believing God’s promises change your life?

Ask the greatest Christian you’ll ever meet if they hold on to God’s promises and they’ll all say yes. Believing that God will do what He promises leads to a great life. The greatest Christian you’ll every meet knows, treasures, and is resting in the promises of God. They cling to these assurances that God gives His people so they can walk by faith while they wait for Him to work.

So what exactly does God promise? In this topical study of what will always be true, Pastor James MacDonald will explore five great and precious promises that God keeps. Enter into this study with anticipation and faith that the God who makes these promises is faithful and true... always true.